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Folate Intake and Breast Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Mariana Reis Eleotério1, Larissa Souza Ferreira1, Francilene Maria Azevedo1
1Department of Nutrition and Health, Federal University of Viçosa - Campus Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Molecular Nutrition & Food Research
|December 24, 2025
Summary
This review explored folate intake and breast cancer risk. While some studies suggest a link between higher folate intake and reduced cancer risk, the meta-analysis found no significant association, indicating inconsistent findings in current research.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Epidemiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Folate is essential for DNA synthesis and repair.
- Altered folate metabolism is implicated in carcinogenesis.
- Understanding folate's role in breast cancer is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the association between folate intake and breast cancer risk in adult women.
- To reconcile inconsistent findings in the existing literature.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of Embase, PubMed/Medline, and Web of Science.
- Inclusion of cohort and case-control studies on folate intake/supplementation and breast cancer.
- Meta-analysis comparing mean folate intake between breast cancer cases and controls.
Main Results:
- Eleven studies met eligibility criteria, with most (8/11) suggesting an inverse relationship between folate intake and breast cancer risk.
- One study reported a U-shaped dietary folate intake association.
- Three studies found no significant association.
- The meta-analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in mean folate intake between cases and controls.
Conclusions:
- The literature on folate intake and breast cancer risk presents inconsistencies.
- This meta-analysis did not confirm a significant association between folate intake and breast cancer risk.
- Further research may be needed to clarify the complex relationship, considering factors like folate source and genetic variations.
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